My Trial ‘ll Unearth Illegalities, Persecution – Adoke Vows
BY EDMOND ODOK, ABUJA – Amidst his failed arraignment in Court on Wednesday, January 22, 2020, former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Adoke, has vowed that his trial by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) will unearth illegalities, fraud and persecution currently taking place in the country
He has also promised to defend and clear himself of the multiple charges filed against him and others by EFCC over the Malabu Oil scam.
Speaking to journalists at the Gwagwalada Division of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court after his failed arraignment on the corruption charges, Adoke slammed the anti-graft commission for failing to serve him with the charges despite being in their custody for about five weeks.
He said events of the day did not surprise him given the facts on ground, adding; “I am not disappointed, I expected it. I was not served even though I have been in their illegal custody for the last five weeks.
Adoke, who spoke for the first time since December 19, 2019 when EFCC arrested him after four years in exile, said; “I came back to this country voluntarily to defend myself. As a former Attorney-General, I am very ready to defend myself.”
According to him, “I am happy that this is an opportunity for Nigerians to know the persecution and illegalities that are going on in this country.”
“We must not allow situation when political colouration dictate the liberty of anyone,” the former Chief law officer quipped
Since jetting out of Nigeria at the end of former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration on May 29, 2015, Adoke only returned home on December 19, 2019, from Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and was promptly arrested by EFCC’s operatives at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
The anti-graft agency is charging him on alleged abuse of office and money laundering in respect of the granting of the Oil Prospecting License (OPL) 245 to Shell and ENI.
